Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, has decried the recent killing of about 30 people in Imo State by unknown gunmen.
In a statement shared on his official 𝕏 handle on Saturday, May 10, the former Governor of Anambra State expressed profound sadness over the tragic incident, describing it as a “barbaric” act.
“Again, we have been confronted with another senseless killing in the country, this time in Imo State, where about 30 people were murdered by gunmen,” Obi lamented.
He added, “This marks yet another level of embarrassing barbarism in a society already battling an unprecedented level of insecurity. Violent killings, horror, and fear have continued to define our daily lives in our nation.”
The Labour Party presidential candidate condemned the persistent wave of violence across the country and called for a unified stance against such acts.
“This inhuman act must be condemned by all. We cannot expect to build a responsible society of humans when we continually desecrate human life without provocation. Such a level of violence and criminality must not continue to have a place in our nation,” he said.
He linked the frequent killings to a systemic failure, warning of the dangers of becoming desensitized to violence.
“These recurring attacks, violence, and killing are a poignant reminder of our collective failure as a nation, gradually losing sense of the sanctity of life and becoming accustomed to terror. The time is now to break this ugly trend of senseless killings in our nation,” Obi noted.
Obi urged the government to act decisively in addressing the alarming level of insecurity, stating that it is detrimental to national progress.
“The government must, at this point, rise up to its duties of protection of lives and property. Nigerians cannot continue to live in fear for their lives. Such a level of insecurity is not only inimical to human development but also hinders economic growth and development,” he said.
He further called for justice, urging the authorities to ensure those responsible for the killings are held accountable. “I urge the government to investigate, arrest and bring the perpetrators of this mayhem to book,” Obi stated.
He expressed his condolences to the families of the victims. “I extend my sincere condolences to all the families who lost their loved ones in this very tragic occurrence. May God grant them eternal rest,” he added.
